Savor Ramadan with Less Oil: Air-Fried Goodness
Air fryers have been on the market for quite some time and are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Indian cuisine. Air fryers have become a go-to kitchen appliance as more people prioritize healthier eating.
Unlike traditional ovens, they significantly reduce cooking time, making meal preparation more efficient. Additionally, their compact size ensures they don’t take up much counter space. With an air fryer, you can skip the hassle of monitoring deep-frying—simply place your food inside and attend to other kitchen tasks while it cooks.
With Ramadan fast approaching, many people indulge in their favorite fried snacks and meals. This sacred month is the perfect time to kickstart your health journey and improve your food habits while enjoying delicious yet healthier dishes, and air-fried recipes let you savor traditional flavors without the excess oil.
The Air fryer is a one-for-all appliance for making everything from crispy samosas to flavorful kababs. It’s an excellent choice for guilt-free indulgence with lower calories. To achieve the best results, always preheat the air fryer for about 5 to 8 minutes before cooking for optimal taste and texture.
Below are some Ramadan air fryer recipes that are crispy, flavorful, and ideal for iftar:
1. Air-Fried Samosas
A samosa is a crispy, golden triangular pastry filled with a flavorful mix of spiced potatoes and green peas. This popular snack is incredibly versatile, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations available.
As you prepare for Ramadan, consider making homemade samosas in advance and freezing them for convenience. No need to thaw them—simply take them straight from the freezer and place them into the air fryer. You can also air fry readymade store-bought samosas.
To cook, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, place the frozen samosas in the basket, and lightly spray oil on both sides. Air fry for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden. Enjoy with your favorite chutney.
2. Air-Fried Pakoras
Crispy, guilt-free pakoras? Yes, please! Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy this classic treat more healthily.
In a bowl, combine besan with onions, green chilies, your favorite veggies, spices, and water to form a smooth batter. Preheat the air fryer and lightly spray it with oil. Drop small portions of the batter into the air fryer basket, shaping them like patties. Ensure they don’t touch each other to allow even cooking and avoid overcrowding.
Lightly spray some oil on top and air fry at 350°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them around the 9-minute mark. Once golden and crispy, sprinkle with chaat masala and serve with your favorite chutney.
3. Air-fried tandoori Chicken Wings
If you're looking to boost your protein intake during Ramadan and stay fuller for longer, air-fried chicken wings are a great option!
In a mixing bowl, combine ready-made tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, lemon juice, Kashmiri laal mirch, and kasuri methi. Coat the chicken drumsticks evenly in the marinade and let them refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray a little oil on top and air fry at 370°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Once the timer is up, shake the basket, increase the temperature to 400°F, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, hot sauce, ranch, honey garlic, or mango habanero.
4. Air-Fried Chickpeas
These crispy roasted chickpeas are a vegan, gluten-free snack that’s a total game-changer! Enjoy them on their own, or add them to your favorite salad or chaat for an extra crunch.
To prepare, toss boiled chickpeas with oil, salt, pepper, garam masala, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chaat masala. Spread them evenly in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until perfectly crispy.
5. Air-Fried Pastry Puffs
If you love crispy puffs but don’t want to wait nearly an hour for them in the oven, air frying is the perfect shortcut. Layer your favorite filling—paneer, veggies, or chicken—onto a puff pastry sheet, then cut it into squares or triangles. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Place the filled pastry puffs gently into the air fryer basket, brush with oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, ketchup, or chutney.
6. Air-Fried Chicken Seekh Kabab
If you're short on time after a long day of work and Iftar is fast approaching, air-fried chicken seekh kebabs are a quick and wholesome meal that can be prepped ahead of time.
In a blender, combine minced chicken, onions, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, cardamom powder, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, green chilies, and cilantro. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a bowl and mix with besan for binding.
Shape the mixture into cylinders onto bamboo skewers. Preheat the air fryer, spray the basket with oil, and carefully place the seekh kebabs inside. Lightly spray oil on top and air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through and adding a little more oil for even cooking. Serve chicken seekh kebabs with plain rice, or wrap them in paratha or naan with chutney and chopped salad for a nutritious meal.
Air frying during Ramadan is a wonderful way to enjoy all your traditional favorites. There’s no shortage of mouth-watering dishes you can create with ease. From starters to desserts, the air fryer lets you cook just about anything effortlessly.
Whether you’re looking to save time, eat healthier, or simply explore new culinary ideas, the air fryer proves to be an invaluable addition to your kitchen. We hope these recipe ideas inspire you to celebrate Ramadan with delicious flavors and mindful choices. Patel Brothers wishes you and your family a very happy Ramadan.
